Modern smartphones, including the popular Poco X3 model from Xiaomi, support many communication standards, from outdated 2G to high-speed 5G. However, in some situations, users are required to force the device to lock on a specific standard, for example, on 4G LTE. This can be caused by the fact that in your area of the fourth generation network is overloaded, and the phone is constantly trying to switch to a faster but unstable 5G, or, conversely, the 3G/4G signal is weaker than reliable, but slow 2G.
The problem of constant jumps between network modes often leads to fast battery discharge and connection breaks during conversations or video calls. Owners of the Poco X3 NFC and Poco X3 Pro sometimes face a situation where the standard settings menu does not give full control over the choice of the preferred network type. In this article, we will discuss all the available methods, from simple system settings to using an engineering menu so you can stabilize the connection.
Before making changes, it is important to understand that the forced inclusion of the 4G This may cause you to stop accepting incoming voice calls if your carrier does not support VoLTE (Voice over) technology. LTE). In this case, the calls will simply not pass, as the phone will not be able to switch to the phone. 3G or 2G for voice communication, so make sure that the VoLTE service is activated on your SIM-Card, or be prepared to temporarily return automatic mode if necessary.
Why you need to fix the network mode on Poco X3
The main reason users are looking for a way to turn only 4G on the Xiaomi Poco X3 is because of the instability of the coverage. The smartphone is programmed to always choose the network with the highest available speed. If your home or office 5G or 4G fluctuates (sways) on the verge of loss, the device begins frantically searching for the best access point, constantly switching between standards. This phenomenon, known as the handover loop, not only annoys with constant interruptions of the Internet, but also significantly warms the modem processor.
The second important aspect is battery saving: network searching is one of the most energy-intensive processes in any mobile device. If you're in an area where 4G is catching confidently, but the phone periodically dives into 3G due to the nature of the operator's relay, energy consumption increases. Fixing on one standard allows the modem to operate in stable mode without unnecessary switching.
⚠️ Attention: Forced imposition of the “Only” regime 4G" may make it impossible to make emergency calls in areas where coverage LTE It's missing, but there's a signal of old standards.
There are also situations where carriers perform technical work or use specific frequencies that Poco X3 automatically chooses incorrectly, in which case manual network priority settings become the only way to restore normal page loading and application speeds.
Standard network settings in MIUI
The first step before using complex methods is to check the standard settings of the MIUI operating system on which Poco X3 is based. Smartphone manufacturers often hide the main switches in the depths of the menu, so as not to overload the interface with unnecessary options for the average user.
To access these settings, you need to go to the Settings menu, then select About Phone or immediately find the section. SIM-This is the key parameter that's responsible for communicating with cell towers. In most cases, the system tells you to select the mode "Preferred". 4G (LTE)", But it doesn't give you the "only" option. 4G".
If the standard menu doesn't provide the right option, it doesn't mean it's not available at the hardware level. It's just the MIUI interface that hides it. In some versions of the firmware, you can try resetting the network to factory settings to see if there's an additional choice. Go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Reservations and Resets → Wi-Fi, mobile Internet and Bluetooth settings.
Importantly, once you reset your network settings, you will need to re-enter passwords from all Wi-Fi networks and reconfigure Bluetooth headsets, which is standard Xiaomi security behavior.
Using an engineering menu to select a network
The most efficient way to enable only 4G on the Poco X3 is through the Engineering Mode, a hidden interface designed to test equipment by engineers in the factory and allows you to control the modem parameters directly, bypassing the limitations of the user interface, accessed through a special application "Engineering Mode" or through hidden code in the bell.
To sign in, dial the Phone app code ##4636##. If the code doesn't work (it's blocked on some global firmware), you'll need to install a third-party application, such as Activity Launcher or Force LTE Only (4G/5G) from the Google Play store. These apps just open the same system test screen.
Once you've successfully logged into the test menu, select Phone Information. In the list that opens, find a drop-down menu called Set Preferred Network Type. This is where the setting you want to use is hidden. You need to select the option that has the word LTE Only in its name.
☑️ Check before entering the engineering menu
After selecting LTE Only mode, the network icon at the top of the screen may disappear for a few seconds, and then reappear with a 4G or LTE indicator. Note that in this mode the phone will stop registering on 2G and 3G networks. If you are in a zone of poor 4G coverage, the connection can completely disappear.
Alternative methods through applications and codes
If the standard code ##4636### on your Poco X3 doesn't activate the menu, there are alternative ways. Some users report the effectiveness of the code ##3646633##, which opens up the full MediaTek engineering menu (since the Poco X3 is built on Snapdragon processors, this code may not work, but it's worth trying).
Force LTE Only is specifically designed for this type of situation. Once installed, select the method "Method 2 (Android 11+)" or "Method 1", depending on the version of your MIUI. In the window that opens, find the Phone Information section and do the same: select LTE Only. The main advantage of these applications is that they create a shortcut to quickly access this hidden feature on the desktop.
It is worth mentioning that after each restart of the phone or turn off the flight mode, the settings in the engineering menu can be reset to standard ("Preferred to as a rule"). 4G"). This is normal system behavior, designed to ensure maximum compatibility. LTE Only through an application or code.
What to do if the menu is empty?
Using third-party apps requires granting permissions to access your phone. Make sure you only download software from trusted sources, such as the official Google Play store, to avoid installing malware.
Comparison of modem modes
Understanding the difference between modes helps you choose the best option for your situation. There are many acronyms on the Poco X3’s engineering settings menu. Below is a table explaining the main ones so you don’t get confused.
NR mode refers to fifth generation networks (5G), LTE is 4G, WCDMA is 3G, and GSM is 2G. The combination of these acronyms means that the phone can use any of the listed standards. The "Only" choice limits the device to only one type of communication.
| Network mode | Description | Impact on the battery | Call stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| NR/LTE/WCDMA/GSM | Automatic selection of any available standard | High (constant search) | Maximum |
| LTE/WCDMA/GSM | 4G preference, but possible rollback to 3G/2G | Medium. | Tall. |
| LTE Only | 4G only (Internet and VoLTE) | Low (stable connection) | Depends on VoLTE. |
| WCDMA Only | Only 3G. | Medium. | Tall. |
As you can see from the table, LTE Only provides the lowest power consumption in a confident reception environment, since the modem does not waste resources on scanning other frequencies. However, if you often move between areas with different coverage, automatic mode may be more convenient.
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If the Internet is lost after LTE Only is turned on, check the settings of the APN access points. Perhaps 4G only mode requires the creation of a new access point with specific protocol parameters.
Possible problems and solutions
When you switch the Poco X3 to 4G mode only, you may encounter a number of specific problems, the most common being a complete lack of connectivity, which occurs if the current location does not have LTE coverage and the phone cannot physically switch to 3G to register with the network, in which case the screen will simply show "No network" or "Only emergency calls."
Another problem is that you can't make outgoing calls, and as I mentioned earlier, without VoLTE, voice calls are on the network. 4G If your operator does not support this function or it is not included in the tariff, you will only be able to accept it. SMS To solve the problem, you need to temporarily return the mode. 4G/LTE".
⚠️ Note: Some global versions of the firmware MIUI After upgrading the system, the hidden test menu can be blocked by the manufacturer, in which case only installing a third-party launcher or flashing the device to a regional version (for example, Indonesia or India), where such restrictions are often absent.
Also, users sometimes complain about a decrease in Internet speed after fixing on 4G. This may be due to the fact that the phone connected to an overloaded tower, while in automatic mode it could “jump” to a less loaded 3G range.
Return to the factory network settings
If the experiments with the network modes led to unstable operation of the Poco X3, or you just need to return everything as it was, there are several ways to reset. The easiest way is to restart the smartphone. In 90% of cases, after a restart, the MIUI system will reset the modem preferences to standard values.
If the reboot didn’t work, log back into the engineering menu via code ##4636## or the launcher app. Find “Install preferred network type” and select LTE/WCDMA/GSM (auto connect) option, which will return the phone to automatic search mode for the best available network.
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To completely reset your network settings without losing personal data, use the function "Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile Internet and Bluetooth settings" in the system settings section.
In extreme cases, when software failures prevent you from changing your settings, you can reset your network completely through the Recovery Mode menu, but this will require more knowledge and care not to delete personal data. Usually, this is not necessary, and just re-select the desired network profile.